FLOW BETWEEN ROTATING CONCENTRIC POROURS CYLINDERS [100 points]

Consider steady Newtonian incompressible flow in the gap between two concentric porous
cylinders of length L, and radii R1 and R2, respectively, shown below. The inner cylinder rotates
at a constant angular rate W and the outer cylinder is fixed.


P
2 Figure 2: Cross-sectional view of
U
R1 fluid flow between concentric
porous cylinders

R2

Given the fluid pressure exerted on the wall of the outer cylinder is P2, the liquid seeps through
the inner cylinder radially at a velocity U; and also seeps radially through the outer cylinder.
Assume that the z-component of fluid velocity is zero, and that the fluid velocity only depends
on the radial distance r.
a) [30 points] Using the equation of continuity, show that radial velocity component in the
𝑅1 𝑈
entire gap region is given by 𝑉𝑟 = .
𝑟
Hint: the mass rate of fluid seeping through the cylinders is conserved.
b) [25 points] Using an appropriate equation of motion, show that the differential equation
needed for the determination of the tangential velocity component of the fluid in the gap
is:

𝑑2 𝑉𝜃 (1 − 𝑆) 𝑑𝑉𝜃 (1 + 𝑆)
+ − 𝑉𝜃 = 0
𝑑𝑟 2 𝑟 𝑑𝑟 𝑟2

c) [10 points] Write down the appropriate boundary conditions needed to solve for the
steady-state tangential velocity profile.
Note: DO NOT waste your exam time trying to solve the equation as the solution for the
steady-state tangential velocity profile for this system is given here as:

𝑟 𝑆+2 − 𝛾 𝑆+2
𝑉𝜃 (𝑟) =
𝑟(1 − 𝛾 𝑆+2 )
𝜌𝑅1 𝑈
where 𝑆 = 𝜇

You DO NOT need to show the profile is obtained either. Just use it when you need to.
d) [15 points] Using an appropriate equation of motion, write the differential equation for
fluid pressure. With an appropriate boundary condition, solve for the steady-state
pressure profile P(r) in terms of fluid pressure at the outer cylinder, P2, U, and R1 and/or
R2 .
e) [15 points] Determine the non-zero components of viscous stress tensor, in terms of r, R1,
and U.
f) [5 points] Determine the tangential force that the fluid exerts on the inner wall of the
outer cylinder.